Accra, April 26, GNA – The Accra Ubuntu Leo’s Club, in partnership with the Accra Ubuntu Lions Club International, has donated three medical oxygen cylinders and three nebulizers to the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital.
The equipment, valued at GH¢14,700, will enhance pediatric respiratory care, as the Hospital experiences critical shortages of oxygen delivery equipment at the hospital.
Handing over the items, Ms. Wendy Otinkorang, President of the Club, said the items were selected following consultations with management of the hospital to identify their most pressing needs.
“We visited the facility to understand what they required, and they mentioned several items from which we chose the Oxygen Cylinders and Nebulizers,” she said.
She explained that while the oxygen cylinders were identified as a priority, the addition of nebulizers was influenced by a personal experience shared by one of the club’s executives who had visited the hospital in the past due to a medical condition and there was no nebulizer.
“That informed our decision to include the in the donation,” she said.
Ms. Otinkorang revealed that the donation coincided with the club’s third anniversary celebration and gave assurances the the gesture marks the beginning of a sustained partnership with the hospital.
“We are definitely looking forward to coming back and we will continue to engage with the hospital administration to understand what they need and do our best to support them,” she added.
Ms. Sandra Mensah, a Pediatric Nurse, and Principal Nursing Officer at the hospital, described the gesture as timely, noting that limited equipment had often compelled staff to ration oxygen among patients.
She explained that the shortage sometimes forced the hospital to refer emergency cases to other facilities when oxygen units were fully occupied.
“This donation will go a long way to help the children who come in, especially those who require oxygen or nebulization due to asthma and other respiratory conditions,” she said.
Ms. Mensah expressed optimism that the new equipment would ease pressure on existing resources and enable the hospital to admit and treat more patients requiring urgent care.
“Our expectation is that all children who come here will receive the care they need and be discharged successfully, while maintaining confidence in our services,” she added.
For his part, Mr. Seyram Ahiabor, the Charter President of the Accra Ubuntu Lions Club, reaffirmed the group’s long-standing relationship with the hospital, which dates back to 2007.
Citing recent interventions by the club, which includes the renovation of the hospital’s malnutrition centre and the establishment of a skills training shed for mothers of malnourished children, he said the club will continue to expanded its support through various initiatives.
Mr. Ahiabor emphasized that the partnership with the hospital would be sustained over the long term.
“This is not a one-time effort. It is a relationship we intend to maintain for as long as our clubs are active,” he stated.
He also called on the public to contribute to community development, stating that “Everyone can play a role in helping others.”
GNA
Nii Martey M. Botchway
[email protected]
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong